Brighton and Hove Albion are on the verge of securing a reported transfer target who had attracted interest from Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
The Seagulls have activated the release clause in the contract of highly-rated left-back Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors. The Argentina Under-23 international is expected to undergo a medical and finalize the transfer soon on the south coast.
The 19-year-old has been scouted by Newcastle United’s recruitment staff as they aim to become contenders in securing emerging talents from South America. Meanwhile, media reports had linked him with a move to Premier League and Champions League winners Manchester City for several months, and club legend Sergio Aguero had praised the youngster, suggesting City would likely sign him.
Speaking on his Twitch stream, Aguero said, “Barco is a very good player. I don’t think he’ll stay at Boca for long. He’s very good. City will surely take him.”
However, while Barco is poised to make a move to the Premier League, he won’t be joining Pep Guardiola‘s side. The talented left-back is closing in on a deal with Brighton after they triggered his £7.8m release clause in Boca Juniors. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, meetings have already taken place, and the deal is expected to be finalized “in the next few days.”
Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Brighton are closing in on Valentín Barco deal! Meeting with Boca taking place today, Brighton is set to trigger a $10m release clause. The agreement will be finalized this week with all documents to be prepared in the next few days. Here we go, coming soon.”
Chelsea had also shown interest in Barco, especially after Ian Maatsen’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund, but it seems Brighton is now in pole position to secure his
